Oil thief and sampler



Sept. 26, 1939. 'w. L. WALKER l l '2,174,100

OIL'TBIEF AND-SAMPLER Filedreb. 26, 19:5 8- 3- sheetsLsheet 1 6' 15a, l J5 14 63 V11 0l I 11` 20 Il Jh" l l 21 In? I y .u 8L i 23 12 L ZZ I 'i 22 B; I Z5 25 i2.- o M' w 5.1

n 5 @i E 'P38 7 i g 35 35 I Z0 ,3 i l 5l 10 |aa a w29 54 :i 5 Z@ 7`- 7 a' l l 26 '30 fg? is" I|| l 41 5N 52 ;l 26 ed' 3% "i: i| 35 E512 3- l 28 v :'wl ai :z l I H/ l I Il i i f1@ IMU/am L. M/a/y/fer INVENTOR Sept. 26, 1939. W.1 .wAL.KE`R 2,174,100 y j onJ THIEF AND SAMPLER Filed Feb. 26, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 n /4//7//509 L. M//fef INVENTOR Sept. 26, 1939. w. L. wALKr-:R 2,174,100 I on. THIEF AND SAMPLER K v Filed Feb. 26, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Wauw/en INVENTOR 'Patented Sept. 26, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,174,100 y y K om 'ruler AND salariati:

` William L. Walken This;` Okla.y Application `February 28, .1938, Serial No. 192,873 s claims. (cl. 137'1s) p The invention relates to oil thieves or samplers used for obtaining spot samples from diierent depths .in an oil storage tank, and from the bottom of the tank for testing purposes, and has for 5 its object to providea device of this character adapted to be lowered through the theft hole of the tankby a supporting member' and provided with an open spring closed valve, which may be released at any depth desired by a jerk on the i supporting means, for obtaining a sample from any predetermined depth.

A further object isl to provide the thief with a spring closed valve, laterally movable at its lower end, and cooperating with a seat at the lower end l of the casing in a manner whereby, as the valve reaches its` closed position, the valve is moved upwardly towards the seat for insuring a positive seating and preventing wear on the valve and seat, particularly when taking a samplefrom the bottom settlement, which contains abrasive material, thereby preventing wear on the parts.

A further object is to rockably and rotatably mount the disc valve on the valve arm thereby insuring a positive seating of the disc valve on the valve seat at all times.

A further object is to hingedly mount the valve arm within a tripping mechanism -to one side of the thief cylinderyand to provide the tripping mechanism Iwith a detentv releasing finger co'- operating with the arm for holding the arm and its valve in open .position against spring action until the tripping mechanismis operated fora valve closing operation.

A further object is to provide means whereby the valve and valve arm, asN they move towards closed position, are in a plane below the plane of the valve seat, and asthey approach the closed position they are vmoved upwardly to seated position towards the seat. obviating cutting and o scoringof the valve and valve seat incident to Vparticles in the bottom settlement.

A further object is to provide a downwardly adjustable tripping rod which may be adjusted to various positions for tripping the valve at various 5 distances from the bottom of the tank.

A further object is to provide the upper end of the casing with a bail having a bell crank connected thereto and-extending outwardly and downwardlyto one side of the device and attached to the tripping mechanism whereby the tripping mechanism is released when a jerk is imparted on the supporting line attached to the bell crank lever for releasing the valve at predewith an upwardly extending sleeve rotatably mounted in a stationary sleeve to the side of the ycasing and anchored to an adjuster head, rotatably mounted in the tripping mechanism casing, and a torsion spring within the casing and con- 5 nected to the casing sleeve for `normally forcing the arm and its valve towards closed position.

A further object is to provide a vertically movable tripping sleeve `having a stationary head thereon to one side of the main casing, and pro- 10 vided with a releasing rodwhich cooperates with the valve arm and an aperture therein for holding the valve arm in open position until the trippingk rod is actuated.

A further object is to utilize the tripping mecha- 15 f nism spring for forcing the valve and its arm upwardly as it approaches closed position, and spring means whereby' the 'releasing tension can -be varied. r

A further object is to provide sample test cocks 20 on the side of the casing so samples may be taken therefrom for test purposes.`

A further objectisfto provide a slidable open sided hydrometer windshield which may-'be extended upwardly for protecting the hydrometer 25 during the testing operation.-

A further Objectis tofprovide the inner side of the windshieldwith a channel for holding a graduated water and bottom settlement gauge.

,With the above and other objects in view the $0 ,invention resides in the combination and arrangement of parts as hereinafter set forth, shown in the drawings,.\described and claimed, it being understood that changes in Athe precise embodiment of lthe invention may be made within the 35 scope of what is claimed without departing from the spirit of the invention. i

In the drawings: r

Figure 1 is a. perspective view of the sampler.

Figure 2 is a f vertical longitudinal sectional 40 view through the sampler.-

Figure 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken'on line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 isa bottom planl view of the sampler showing the valve closed. 4

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 but showing the valve open.

Figure 6 is'a side elevation of the sampler showing the valve closed.

Figure 7 is a .view similar to Figure 6, but show- 50 ing the valve open..y

Figure 8 is a'perspective-view of the valve carrying arm and its pivotsleeve.v l

Figure 9 is a vertical transverse sectional view through one side of a conventional form of storage tank, showing the device suspended therein ready to be tripped by the trip rod engaging the bottom of the tank.

Figure is a side elevation cf the upper end of the main casing showing the windshield extended.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the water and bottom settlement gauge.

Figure 12 is a top plan view of the windshield.

Referring to the drawings, the numeral I designates a portion of-a conventional form of oil.

storage tank, and 2 uid therein. The thief or sampling device is lowered through a conven- 1 tional form -of thief or man hole, and fluid at different depths is trapped therein and raised from the tank to a. point where the contents thereof can be tested for settlement, temperature and the like.

The sampling device comprises a cylinder 3 having a chamber 4 therein, and in which the oil is trapped and raised to the top of the tank. Secured to the bottom of the cylinder 3 is a bottom ring 5, which carries the valve structure and tripping mechanism hereinafter set forth and secured to the upper end of the cylinder is atop ring 6, preferably provided with a pouring lip 1 for facilitating the pouring of the contents from the sampler during testing operations. Ring 6 is provided with a pivoted support dog 3 so the device may be supported on the theft hole ring or man hole during the testing operation, or when desired. A second pivoted dog '3 is provided on the cylinder 3, and adjustable thereon by means of 'a split ring I3 for allowing the device to be supported on a diiferent type or size of man hole ring if desired, and the upper end of the device higher than'the tank if desired. Supporting dogs 3 and 3 are preferably provided with limiting lugs II so they will not pass outwardly beyond an acute angle, hence the device will be prevented from slipping from the supporting ring.

Pivoted at I2 to opposite sides of the ring 6 is a split bail I3, between the lugs I4 of which is pivoted at I5- an outwardly-and downwardly extending trip arm I5a, which controls the tripping mechanism when a pull is imparted on the line I6 at a predetermined depth within the storage tank I. Line I3 is preferably provided with a plurality of enlargements I1 so the operator will know how far the sampler is submerged and when to trip the same for getting a sample at any particular depth. The arm I5a terminates in a hook I3, which is received within an'eye I3 carried by the vertically movable tripping sleeve 20, which is slidably mounted in a bearing 2| of the upper ring 6 and extends axially through a tension adjusting sleeve 22 having an expansion spring 23 therein, which is interposed between the ring 6 and the adjusting sleeve 24.

By adjusting the sleeve 24 through the medium of the set screw 25 on the trip sleeve 20, the amount of power necessary for the tripping action may be varied from a slight jerking motion to a heavy one.

The lower ring 5 is rigidly mounted on the lower end of the cylinder 3 and is provided with an annular valve seat 26, with which a pivotally and rockably mounted disc valve 21 cooperates. 'I'he disc valve, in its movement from open to closed position, moves in a plane downwardly spaced from the seat 26 so there is not a sliding engagement with the seat, which causes wear thereon, and as it approaches axial relation with the cylinder 3, there is a slight upward seating movement, hence it will be seen there is no drag over the seat. Formed integral with the ring 5 is a tripping mechanism sleeve 23 having a comblnation torsion and compression spring 23 therein. The lower end of the spring 23 is anchored at 30 in the bottom of the sleeve 23 and has its upper end anchored at 3I in an adjuster head 32, rotatably mounted on the lower end of the trip rod sleeve 20 and on the upper end of the valve arm sleeve 33, which extends axially through sleeve 23 and the torsion spring 23. It will be noted that the compression spring 23 under longitudinal compression normally forces the ad- :luster head 32 upwardly and raises the valve armv 34, carried by the sleeve 33, hence it will be seen that the valve will be moved towards the seat 23 when released for-upward movement. Adjuster head 32 is provided with set screws 35 for rigidly holding the same in adjusted position on the valve arm sleeve 33 and by adjusting these screws and rotating the head 32, the desired amount, the torsional tension of the, spring 23 may be varied. Rigidly mounted at 36 on the trip rod sleeve 2l is a member 31 which carries the trip rod 38. Trip rod 33 extends downwardly through a guide bearing 33 in the lower end of the sleeve 23 and through an enlargement 43 thereof, which is outwardly oil'set so the rounded end 4I will ride on the cam ange 42, carried by the pivoted end of the valve arm 34.

Tripping rod 33 is normally urged downwardly by the expansive action of `the spring 23, which may be adjusted through the medium of the adjusting sleeve 24 for a relatively light tripping or a heavy one. It will be noted that the disc 5. When the device is tripped, for instance upon a jerk on the control line I3, the trip controlled sleeve 23 is pulled upwardly, and as the member 31 is rigidly carried thereby, the trip rod 33 will move upwardly therewith, out of interengagement with the aperture 44. The spring 23 then rotates the adjusting head 32 carried by the sleeve 33 of the valve arm 34 and the valve and arm are moved towards closed position with the portion 40 in engagement with the extension 43 y of the arm. As the valve approaches closed position, the portion 43 will ride on the inclined portion 41 of the cam 46, and the arm is moved upwardly by the spring action so the valve will suddenly seat at the closed position. '1'0 further insure a positive seating the under side of the valve carrying arm 34 is provided at its free end with a cam surface 43, which engages the roller 43, carried by the arm 53 of thelower ring 5,

lhence it will be seen there is no spring action to the arm and there will be a positive seating and holding of the valve against the seat.

Axiall'y adjustable within the trip rod sleeve 201s a bottom trip rod 5I, the upper end of which is bifurcated as at 52 to form spring arms for frictionally engaging the inner periphery of the sleeve 23 and holding the rod against displacement during the adjustment thereof. Rod 5I is provided with graduatons so the operator can settlement are desired.` After the rod 5l has been properly adjusted, it is held in adjusted position by means ot a set screw 54, preferably ci the thumb type. which is threaded through the member 31 and sleeve 2l and jams against the rod 5i, thereby rigidly holding the same. When the headed member b3 engages the bottom of the tank with the valve in open position, the rod Il is forced upwardly along with the sleeve 20, member 31 carried thereby and latching rod 33. and

al; which time the valve arm 3l and valve carried thereby swing in 4a lateral plane in spaced relation to the valve seat while the member l0 is riding on the high portion o! the cam member dt. When the arm and valve approach the closed position the portion 44 rides down the cam portion dl to the low portlon'! of the cam under the ln'iluence of the spring 29, which has been compressed during the adjustment o! the tension of the spring through the addusting head $2. The

" outer end cam fit o! the valve arm engages over the roller 49 for insuring a positive seating operation on the valve seat 26. Arm 34 is preferably provided with a linger engaging member 56,.

adapted to be grasped by the operator for returning the valve to'open latched position for the next sampling operation.

Telescopically disposed and trictionally held within the cylinder 8 is a cylindrically shaped windshield 5l having a vertical opening 5l therein. The upper end of the windshield is provided with a lip El) which engages over one side of the upper ring t for lirnitinar the downward movement of the windshieldand forming a handle adapted to be grasped'by the operator for extending the windshield so a hydrometer reading may be taken within the same. ably mounted between retaining strips i0 on the inner periphery of the windshield 51 is a water and bottom sediment guage 6i, which is adapted to be removed for tamng a water or bottom sediment reading. Usually, when the water reading is taken, the 'nuage di is provided with a cork coating which is saturated by the water. Guage 5i is provided with a lip 92 which overlies the lip 59 of the windshield, and the operator can easily remove the guage ill by grasping the lip 62 and imparting an upward pull thereon.

When the windshield is used, the hook I8 is removed from the eye i9, and the bail I3, along with the arm i5, is swung outwardly to the position shown in Figure 10, thereby allowing the Windshield to be easily raised. The suspension line i6 is preferably provided with a hook 63, which hooks into an eye ot the angular member iba.

From the above it will be seen that a sampling device is provided, by means of which samples of oil may be taken from dlilferent depths in the tank, and the valve is mounted and operated in a manner whereby it will positively seat at the closing point, and the valve, being rockably and rotatably mounted, will properly seat in dilerent positions incident to successive operations, and will practically regrind the seat aslt is used from time to time.

The arm 3d and bottom ring 5 are provided with legs 8d, which in combination with the arm 5B forms supporting means for the device when not in use.

It will be seen that the sampling device is so Slidably and remov- `constructed that it has n o ball holes in `the top and can be used as a sample Jar thereby eliminatlng same for taking gravity.' The bail is so cohstructed that the thief hangs perpendicular when not using the jerk mechanism, part 5i; also the 5 springs are enclosed so they will not till up and foul in heavy bottemaettlement and sand. Y

The tension of the springs can be "easily" ed- .lusted to suit' the operator, andthe closer tube head, Dart i9 is onset so a long rod wilr through the-trip mechanism. This Iolhle't li9 permits a longer rod to 'be-.inserted at the top. and it is then possible :to .take a samplaftor instance six vfeel'. from the bottom by means of! a seven foot trip rod.

. lo The invention having been sel; forth what is claimed as newandueeiul is:

l. .li-sampling' device comprising a receptacle adaptedlto be' lowered into a body duid vfor trapping iluid at various'levels. said sampling device comprisinga receptlzcle having' an open lower end surrounded by a valveseat, a laterally movable valve cooperating with said seat, an armvl on whichl said valve is mounted, a pivot sleeve carried by said arm and pivoted to one side 'or the receptacle, spring tension means cooperating with said arm for normally moving the same to closed meloen, s vertically slldable decent lo one side of the receptaolennd vcooperaiil with the arm for holding the same in position and lowering means in connection, with said detent lneanll` for releasing the same at predetermined depths to allow thearm ahdits valve to move. to closed position under the'iniiuenceof its spring means.

2; A dcvlceas ser rime lll-claim 1 including spring means for normally maintaining the detent means in holdin@` 'tiemv 3. A device asset forth in cl l including cam means carried by the .arm and receptacle. for holding the valve in a difierent plane" from the seat during its lnitial'clo'sina movement and seating said valve on its nal movement.

4. A'sampling device comprising a receptacle having its lower end open, a valve seat carried by the receptacle around itaopen end, a pivoted arm below the seat, an upwardly extending' tubular stem carried by the pivoted arm to the side of the receptacle, a www through which said tubular 'stem eds and in which it is rotated, spring torsion means within the casing and cooperating with the upwardly edingtubular stem for normally forcing the same and the valve carrying to closed position, a valve canied by the valve arm and cooperating with the seat, said spring being comp uw l to impart an upward axial movment to the upwardly extending arm a tripping member above the upwardly extending arm, a deter-lt member carried by the tripping member and cooperating with an aperture in the valve arm for holding the same in open position and cam means coi operating with the valve ann whereby upon 'its initial movement to closed position it will move in a plane spaced from the valve seat and on its final movement will force the valve to seating position.' y

5. Auid sampling device adapted to be lowered into a body of nuid comprising a receptacle having a fluid inlet, a valve mounted on the receptacle and adapted to be moved to closed and open relation to the inlet, a latch cooperating with the valve for retaining the valve in open position, a trippms device for releasing the latch and allowing the valve to move to closed position. a bail carried by thc receptacle, a bell crank carried by the bail, lowering means connected with the bell crank, and means connecting said trip with the bell crank for release of the trip upon an upward Jerk of the lowering means.

6. In a fluid sampling device adapted to be lowered into a body of fluid, the combination with an open-bottom receptacle having a valve seat, an exterior sleeve rigid with the receptacle. and an open center cap closing the upper end o! said sleeve, of a horizontal valve-arm having a tubular upright stem concentric with the sleeve and oscillatable therein, said valve arm also being movable in a vertical plane, a valve adapted to close the seat, said valve being loosely mounted in the valve arm and having a cen'tral bearing thereon, a combined torsion and compression spring having its respective ends fixed to said cap and to the bottom portion of the sleeve, means whereby the valve-arm and valve are set in open position, and means for releasing the valve arm whereby the valve closes its seat.

7. The combination with an open-bottom receptacle having a valve-seat, an exterior sleeve rigid with the receptacle, and an open-center cap covering the upper end of said sleeve, of a horizontally movable valve-arm having an integral upright stem concentric with the sleeve and oscillatable therein, adjustable means for securing the cap to the stem, said valve arm also being movable in a vertical plane to and from said seat, a valve adapted to close the seat, said valve having a central bearing member and loosely mounted on the arm, a combined torsion and compression spring having its respective ends fixed to said cap and to the bottom portion of the sleeve, means whereby the valve arm is swung laterally to set position, and means for releasing the valve arm from set position to permit the valve to close said seat.

8. The combination with an open-bottom re-` ceptacle having a valve seat, an exterior sleeve rigid with the receptacle and an open-center cap closing the upper end of the sleeve, a horizontal valve arm having a tubular upright stem concentric with the sleeve and oscillatable therein, said valve arm also being movable in a vertical plane, and a valve having a hemispherical bearing member mounted in a seat on the valve arm. of a combined torsion and compression spring joining said cap and the valve arm, a spring projected trip rod with its lower end telescopingsaid cap and stem, a trip-pin forming a co-planar extension of the rod, an exterior ana'e at the base of the tubular stem having in its upper face a hole to receive the pinV and retain the valve in open position, and means for actuating the trip rod to releasethe pin.

9. The combination with an open-bottom receptacle having a valve-seat and an exterior sleeve, an open-center cap closing the sleeve, a horizontally movable valve arm having a tubular upright stem concentric with and oscillatable in the sleeve, said arm also being movable in a vertical plane, and a valve having a central bearing member loosely mounted on the valve arm, of a combined compression. and torsion spring uniting said cap and valve arm, a spring projected trip-rod with its lower end telescoping said cap and stem, a trip-pin forming a co-planar extension of the rod, an exterior ilange at the base of the stem having in its upper face a hole to receive the pin to retain the valve in open position, said ilange also having a surface below said upper face in the path of the pin to receive the pin when the valve is closed, an inclined surface connecting the upper face of the cam and surface therebelow and over which the pin rides, means for actuatingthe trip rod to release the pin from said hole, and co-acting means on the valve arm andi. a member mounted on the receptacle for elevating the valve to its seat. l

WILLIAM L. WALKER. 

